Next day, the Empress went to the city hall to meet with the Mayor and the Port Director, both of whom hadn't slept all night and whose eyes were filled with bloodshot stress.
She acknowledged their achievements, sternly rebuked their greedy behavior, and finally summarized with the classic phrase "although but."
Though Mr. Cole and Mr. Kuler have their flaws, they have indeed contributed to the prosperity of Dovor Port, their flaws do not overshadow their talents, and they remain useful individuals.
The Empress pardoned their faults and also reminded them to cease before they are beyond redemption.
Mayor Cole and Director Kuler were moved to tears, kneeling on one knee to kiss the Empress's boot in a gesture of loyalty.
They knew well enough that as long as they retained their positions, there were plenty of ways to earn money, even if it was merely guiding family enterprises to make the right investments that could fill their coffers.
